The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I write to complain of a very dangerous situation that has been evident for several weeks and months. I leave for my office early each morning in order to prepare for the day.

My route every day takes me along Carmichael Road to Sir Milo Butler highway. I head north. There are a large number of individuals who are out getting their morning exercise and I think that is good to see as my life is dedicated to health care, however several things are scaring me more and more each day. A tragedy is waiting to happen.

My first complaint being some joggers refuse to jog on the concrete sidewalk placed there for their safety and enjoyment. When questioned to joggers why they refuse to jog on the concrete and only use the “black top” their reply usually is using the black top is softer and easier on their foot and ankle. Yes concrete is hard on the ankle, however there is also grass adjacent to the concrete you can jog on and that makes it even better than the black top. I can hear it now...yeah, but the grass has dew on it and it is slippery and makes you slide.

The second complaint is everyone out at that time of the morning knows how dark it is and how much fog falls in that area sometimes making it impossible to see. I have seen Bahamians being warned over and over to wear light coloured clothing or reflective tape so that there are no accidents or hit and runs. When questioned most reply they always wear black because it retains heat and body warmth at that time of the morning which is much cooler. Yes, but if you are run over by a car and killed the only place you will be getting cooled off is the morgue.

The third complaint is for government officials. Upon entering Sir Milo Butler Highway through three six-legged roundabouts I counted this morning more than thirty-five (pole lights out......yes, I said thirty-five and that does not include the flickering ones. This is surely a dangerous position as most cars in the Bahamas are not equipped to see through thick low ground fog.

When finally getting to the end of Sir Milo Butler highway at Saunders Beach you then encounter at least 10 more pole lights completely out. I exit off at the Girl Guides headquarters to enter my office place, but I could still see beyond my exit heading east on Bay that there were still a number of pole lights out. This is West Bay Street, a major roadway.

I don’t jog and know that jogging is a passion for countless numbers of Bahamians, but a word to the wise should be sufficient what good will all the jogging do to that great physique if you find yourself under the wheels of a vehicle?

Concrete sidewalks. Bright coloured clothing. Soft green grass they are there for your safety. Please avail yourself of their availability. Be well to all of you and continue getting in health safely.

DR DEREK PINDER

Nassau,

October 29, 2021.